Which Type Of Milk Should You Consume During Pregnancy?

Image: Shutterstock

Pregnancy is the time when you are loaded with changing emotions and tons of questions. From the growth of your fetus to exercising to what diet to follow, almost everything is a question mark while you are expecting.

Milk is a vital source of dietary calcium while you are pregnant. Having adequate quantities of milk will help you to meet your baby’s need for this mineral. Studies have accounted that a pregnant woman requires 1,000 to 1300 mg of calcium per day.

While drinking milk during pregnancy is surely good for health, make sure you consult your doctor before making any dietary changes. Is milk good during pregnancy? Read here to know more about types of milk and what milk to drink during pregnancy.

Types Of Milk – Which Milk Is Good For Pregnant women:

These days, with markets being stocked up with varieties of milk, you may find it difficult to understand which type of milk is suitable for you and your baby. If you too have been worried about this, here is a low

down on the types of milk that are available. Have a look and choose the one that suits you best.

1. Skimmed Cow’s Milk:

If you don’t want to put on unwanted calories during your pregnancy, then skimmed milk is a good choice.

The cow’s milk goes through a process where the saturated fat content is removed to make it light.

This process also reduces the fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and C which are highly needed during pregnancy.

One cup of low-fat milk provides 305 mg of calcium.

One cup of skimmed milk contains 83 calories.

Drinking 2-3 cups each day can help you meet most of your daily calcium needs during pregnancy.

[ Read: Soy Milk During Pregnancy ]

2. Whole/ Full Cream Milk:

Full cream milk has almost 3.5 percent more fat content.

Unless you are overweight during pregnancy and are looking not to gain weight, having full cream milk during pregnancy may not be the right option, given its fatty nature.

It contains around 5 grams of saturated fat for one cup serving. This is 20% of one’s daily limit.

It also contains 149 calories per cup.

3. Pasteurized Cow’s Milk:

Whether you choose skimmed or full cream milk, it’s important that it is pasteurized.

Pasteurization slows the growth of bacteria by heating the milk to a certain temperature and then cooling it.

Drinking raw milk can be dangerous during pregnancy.

It contains bacteria that can cause serious infections in you and the growing fetus as well.

The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends that all pregnant women should avoid foods made out of unpasteurized milk.

Cow’s Milk vs. Goat’s Milk:

Many women also opt to go for the regular cow’s or goat’s milk during pregnancy. Here is a quick look at the benefits:

1. Benefits Of Cow’s Milk:

There are various benefits of having cow’s milk during pregnancy. These are:

Cow’s milk contains Vitamin D. This prevents gestational diabetes during pregnancy and helps in the growth of your unborn baby.

Vitamin E present in cow’s milk is an antioxidant and protects your body from harmful bacteria and viruses.

Calcium is highly present in cow’s milk and helps in the growth of strong, healthy bones for both you and the baby.

Cow’s milk also contains Vitamin A that helps in good immunity, healthy tissue and good vision.

2. Benefits Of Goat’s Milk:

If you can bear the distinct and strong flavor of goat’s milk, it can be a good option during pregnancy.

Goat’s milk carries high protein than cow’s milk.

The fat content is much smaller than cow’s milk.

It helps in smoother digestion.

Goat’s milk contains Vitamin A and gets is absorbed by your body directly.

It also stimulates the production of antibodies since it contains higher level of Vitamin B2 which helps maintain a healthy immune system.

[ Read: Almond Milk During Pregnancy ]

No matter which type of milk you consume during pregnancy, it is essential to consume the right amount. So that you provide the essential nutrients to your body and to your growing baby.Stay healthy and drink healthy!

Do share your suggestions on how you liked our post on which milk is good for pregnant women with us in the comment section below.